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Show Page 5 Wednesday, September 10, 2003 Upland game hunting in Utah should be better this year for some birds Depending on where they hunt, Utahs upland game hunters should enjoy better hunting for forest grouse, chukar partridge, Hungarian partridge and Gambels quail this fall. Populations of each bird are up in some areas of the state. Dean Mitchell, upland game coordinator for the Di- vision of Wildlife Resources, provides the following preview for each of Utahs upland game birds. Additional upland game hunting information, including the latest on how the prolonged drought is affecting Utahs upland game, is available at the DWRs upland game Web site at wildlife.utah.govupland: Blue and ruffed grouse (forest grouse) observations are positive throughout the state this year. Field biologists report an abundance of forest grouse broods. Overwinter survival was good to excellent, while nesting and brood-rearin- condi- g tions were good throughout mountainous habitats. Keep in mind that forest grouse populations can vary greatly between mountain ranges. Look for birds in areas of mixed mountain brush offer- - Memorial service for Dylan Boswell held August 30th Dylan Michael Boswell was born Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2003 in Salt Lake City. He passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2003. Dylan is survived by his parents, Tracy and Susan Boswell of Tooele; brothers, Tayler, Zeke, and Colby; grandparents, Gary and Carolyn Cavey of Tooele, and Lynn and Dixie Boswell of Nephi; John Allen of Salt Lake City, and Dee and Maurine Blackburn of Moroni. A memorial service was held Saturday, Aug. 30, 2003 followed by interment at the Tooele City Cemetery." - ing berries. Berry production is highly varied across Utah this year because of long-terdrought conditions. In some areas, theres an abundance of berries, while in other areas there are few to none. Ruffed grouse prefer areas along stream and watercourses. Blue grouse are usually found higher on the mountain in the Douglas firaspen zone above 8,000 feet. If you hunt with a dog, take along a pair of pliers or be prepared in case the dog encounters a porcupine. Quills are extremely difficult to remove from a dogs muzzle by hand. Northern Region: Field biologists report increased numbers of blue and ruffed grouse in Morgan, Summit, Rich and Weber counties. Cache County is also expected to harbor increased numbers of blue and ruffed grouse this year. Central Region: Conditions along the Wasatch Mountain range were very dry this summer, but grouse reproductive efforts are reported as good to excellent. Larger brood sizes have been reported this year by biologists and conservation officers. Numbers seem to be as high as last year and a good hunt is expected. Some areas have high currant and squawbush berry production. Hunters should look for these areas. Northeastern Region: Fair hunting is expected in Duchesne County while good hunting is expected in Uintah County. Southeastern Region: Hunt success is expected to improve over last year. Precipitation at higher elevations, while still below normal, improved this year. Southern Region: Reports indicate that an average number of blue grouse will be available. The birds will be found near water at higher elevations, unless more precipitation occurs prior to the hunting season. A few ruffed grouse are located in the northern part of the region. Expect fair success for forest grouse. will publish a Community Calendar each The Times-New- s week of events in our area. If you would like to have your event published in this calendar, please submit it by 5 p.m. on Monday at our office at 96 South Main, Nephi or send P.O. Box 77, to Community Calendar, The Times-Newwill Utah No events 84648. taken over calendar be Nephi, the phone. s, Friday, September 12 Juab High School Football, Grand Juab 7:00 PM Tuesday, September 16 Juab High School Volleyball, Juab, 4:30 PM, 5:45 PM, 7: 00 PM Thursday, September 18 Juab High School Volleyball, Juan Diego Juab, 4:30 PM, 5:45 PM, 7:00 PM Friday, September 19 Juab 7:00 PM Tuesday, September 23 Juab High School Volleyball, Juab RHSM, 4:30 PM, 5: 45 PM, 7:00 PM This Community Calendar is brought to you by MT. NEB0 MARKET BEN FRANKLIN STORE Reminding you that we have a wedding registry at Ben Franklin that can be used at either store. Stop at 385 North Main and see how easy it is! This Week's Receptions None reported to The Times-New- s Chukar partridge populations are most closely tied to spring precipitation received from January through April. Above average precipitation fell statewide in February and May and it appears to have been enough to stimulate an increase in chukar populations from last year. The DWRs West Desert helicopter survey, conducted on Aug. 22, 2003, indicated that bird numbers are up conspicuously from last year. On the survey transect this year, biologists counted a total of 238 chukars. This is up from a total of only 36 chukars counted in 2002. Hunters should keep in mind that the helicopter survey is conducted only in select areas of the West Desert and may not represent localized conditions for other chukar State Trails Council Southeastern Region: Populations are similar to Utah State Parks and Recreation is seeking an intrail dividual interested in representing users on the Utah Recreational Trails Advisory Council. terms by Council members are appointed to three-yea- r Utah State Parks board members and Division Director Courtland Nelson. Interested individuals may receive an application by contacting John Knudson. (801) or via Email atjohnknudsonutah.gov. last year. Southern Region: Cotton- tail rabbit production has been low the past couple of years because of drought conditions. A slightly brighter picture is provided in riparian areas and areas adjacent to crop lands where good succulent forage is available. Prolonged drought has impacted cottontail populations. Very sparse precipitation during 538-734- Hunting success is expected to be slightly lower than last Soldier Hollow at Wasatch Mountain State Park. Venue for the 2002 Olympic Winter Games biathlon, skiing, and Nordic combined events. Athletes of world-clasability and weekend recreationor 26 kilometer, Olympic Winter ists enjoy the Games course Future plans include a golf course, controlled tubing hill, equestrian center, and campground. year. Cottontail rabbit hunters are cautioned that its illegal Public Comment spring and early summer has left minimal succulent forage for rabbits in upland areas away from water. cross-countr- s 16-mil- e, to harvest pygmy rabbits in Utah. The pygmy rabbit biologists report increased numbers of chukars in Morgan, Summit, South Rich and Weber counties. In eastern Box Elder County, good cheat grass production has occurred, resulting in reports of large broods this summer. 600 W Price, UT 84501, or call Book Festival Sept. sensitive species biat ologist. through ada m kozlowski a utah.gov with a location, date and number of pygmy rabbits Willard Bay State Park sits atop the Great Salt Lake northern Utah adjacent to Watkins Reservoir. The reservoir provides 9,900 acres of fresh water for fishing for many boating, waterskiing, and warm water fish. There are two facilities Hood plain in d state-operate- for land-owne- Those with persistence, and who hunt during weekdays, are successful in harvesting birds. The 2003 pheasant hunt will not compare at all with the heyday of pheasant hunting in Utah. Too much habitat has been lost. scouting to locate birds and securing written permission to hunt on Pre-seaso- a person may not, without the written permission of the owner or year. person in charge, enter upon land that is Central Region: In spite of privately-ownethe drier spring and summer, cultivated or properly posted. rabbits still seem to be doing Cultivated land means land well in the region this year. that is readily identifiable as: 1 ) land whose soil is loosened Biologists report good numbers of cottontails. Habitat is or broken up for the raising not of high quality with mo.t of crops; 2) land used for grasses and forbs drying out the raising of crops; or 3) and maturing earlier this pasturage that is artificially year. On the West Desert, irrigated. The DWR cannot cottontail rabbit numbers guarantee access to any priappear to be up this year. vate land. If you plan to hunt There are pockets with good in an area that is made up of numbers on the Deep Creek all or mostly private lands, Mountains and in Rush Val- you must obtain WRITTEN r ley where numbers are better permission from the than they have been in years. or an authorized repreHunting should be good if you sentative of the landowner. can find the pockets. Look for To determine who owns moist sites and riparian zones a parcel of private land, with sagebrush. you should visit the county Northeastern Region: recorder or assessor office Fair hunting is expected for for the county you desire to cottontail rabbits this year hunt in. Ask to review the in both Duchesne and Uintah Flat maps for the area counties. you're interested in hunting. jackrabbits. Northern Region: Populations are similar to last activities, d land-owne- r land-owne- http.www.wildlife. Utah. gov Iaw7permissioncard.html. n Utah pheasant hunting will lie poor to fair at best throughout the state. Northern Region: Reports of large pheasant broods have been common this year. A much better hunt than last year is expected. Central Region: Habitat conditions in agricultural areas where pheasants are found are fair in irrigated fields. I n spite of the continuing drought, a few well-time- d spring showers stimulated improved nesting and brooding habitat conditions. Continued urban and industrial development throughout the region makes it difficult for hunters to find pheasants. Those with access to private agricultural lands will have the best success. Overall, hunting is expected to be slow. Northeastern Region: Poor to fair hunting is expected. Southeastern Region: Poor to fair hunting is expected. Southern Region: Poor to fair hunting expected. populations Sage-grous- e throughout the state and throughout Western North America are at all time lows. labitat loss, degradation and fragmentation are the major causes of population declines. As a result, hunting has been closed on fragmented and 1 isolated populations of sage-grous- e throughout Utah. are hunted only in areas of the state where Sage-grous- d recreationists. Flat maps provide information on who owns a particular parcel of land. Some county offices will provide telephone numbers or mailing addresses for landow'ners. The hunter can use this information to contact the landowner to attempt to secure permission to hunt. In some cases, the hunter may have to use the lcx'al telephone directory to determine contact information. Hunters are encouraged to r complete and have the sign the landowner hunter permission card located on the UDWR web page at: pheasant the region delayed production of grasses, especially cheat grass, in many areas. Forage in those areas may be lacking. However, cheat grass production in Range Creek and Desolation Canyon was very private lands are essential for a successful Utah pheashigh and may have resulted in higher chukar production. ant hunt. The good ol days of Southern Region: Wild wandering afield on opening populations of chukar in the morning and having access to cultivated Southern Region are low, and privately-ownesuccess is expected to be only lands for pheasant hunting fair. are gone. New requirements Cottontail rabbit hunting for securing access to private will be fair to good throughlands, as a result of 2000 legout most of the state. When islation, mandate that hunthunting for cottontails, hunt- ers secure written permission ers should focus their efforts from landowners prior to acon dry, brushy draws with cessing their lands. While taking wildlife or dense, rank big sagebrush. No permit is required for engaging in wildlife related d year-roun- observed. Hunting should be slightly better than last d Salt Lake City Library, 210 E. 400 S. The State Park Spotlight over-winte- Ring-necke- 13-1- Great Salt Lake Book Festival. A free event featuring 35 writers reading and discussing their work; booksellers with new, used, and rare books; book signings; book artists demonstrating papermaking, letterpress printing, calligraphy, and bookmaking workshops; puppet shows and storytelling for children; poetry slam and 'introduction to zines for young adults; a rare book roadshow and a book hospital for children's books. Call DWR Northeastern Region: Numbers are still low and populations scattered. Hunting will be difficult for this species in the Northeastern Chukar hunting will be about the same as last year. An extremely dry spring in most of 533-352- The DWR is highly interested in pygmy rabbit sightings throughout the state. Hikers, hunters and anyone else who observes pygmy rabbits are encouraged to notify Adam Kozlowski, hunters should concentrate their efforts on areas with remaining suitable habitat. Most of Utahs pheasant hunters participate during the opening weekend only. Region: 11-1- pdfpvgmyrabbit.pdf year. Hunters are required to secure permission to hunt on private lands. Hunters should concentrate their efforts to locate Huns on the edges of harvested small grain fields. Region. Salt Lake City. Utah State Historical SoSept. ciety Annual Meeting. Glimpse the wide and interesting history of the state. Hear about prostitutes in Eureka, Ute rock art, Utah's response to the AIDS epidemic in the 1980s. how carp got into Utah Lake, and much more. The public is welcome. Admission: free. Call 801 Salt Lake City Public Library, 210 East 400 South. wildlife.utah.govhabitat last year and grasshopper and Mormon crickets are abundant. As a result, food sources for chukars were more available and favorable for chick survival despite the drought. Chukar hunting is expected to be improved this year over last. Historical Society Information that helps hunters tell the difference between cottontail rabbits and pygmy rabbits is located on the DWR web page at observed. Gray (Hungarian) partridge hunters should expect to see more birds this year in northern Utah. Spring population surveys indicated r survival good of Huns and medium-sizebroods have been commonly Southeastern Cabin 3D Seismic Survey Project proposed in north- eastern Carbon County. As a part of the EA process, the BLM is now seeking public comment through October 2. Submit comments to the BLM Price Field Office, 125 S. tontail rabbits. In western Box Elder County, sporadic winter and spring moisture has resulted in good production in scattered areas. Central Region: Habitat conditions in the West Desert areas of the Central Region are poor this year due to a lack of summer rainfall. Wildfires were not as bad as e The Price BLM Office released the draft Environmental Assessment for the Bill Barrett Corporation Stone d the dog is in excellent physical condition and take plenty of water not only for yourself, but your dog as well. Because chukar habitat in Utah is comprised of much shale and lava rock, it may be wdse to purchase leather or rubber booties to protect the pads on your dogs feet! Northern Region: Field 36-hol- year-roun- was petitioned on April 1, areas throughout Utah. The best strategy for chu2003 for listing under the kars is to begin at the top of federal Endangered Species a mountain range and hunt Act. Pygmy rabbits closely down on the birds. Listening resemble cottontail rabbits for the chukars and are easily confused as call is an excellent way to juvenile cottontail rabbits. locate coveys of birds. If you Pygmy rabbits can be found take a dog along, make sure in the same habitats as cotwell-define- 4 State Park Spotlight d Juab High School Football, North Summit Nephi, Utah (The e there are minimum breeding populations of at least 500 birds. In 200.3. bunting will remain confined to "core" sage-grous- areas: western and Rich e Box Elder County County in northern Utah; Blue and Diamond Mountains in the Uintah Basin in northeastern Utah; and Parker Mountain in southern Utah. All hunting is by permit only and the number sage-grous- e of permits are limited on each hunt unit. Permits became available on a first served basis at DWR offices beginning Aug. 5. hunting management is designed so that no more than first-com- Sage-grous- e 10 percent of the estimated fall population in a local area is harvested. Hunters who successfully sage-grous- e obtain permits sage-grous- e are allowed to harvest two birds over a season. y hunters are asked to drop wings from Sage-grous- e harvested birds in DWR wing barrels that will be placed in all areas open to hunting Biological data collected sage-grous- from sage-grous- e. wings is criti- e cal in the management of lcx al populations. Northern Region: Field biologists report increased populations in Rich sage-grous- e County. Good-size- broods d have been reported and hunting should be at least as good as last year in western Box Elder County. Central Region: The entire t region is closed to hunting. The DWR will increase law enforcement effort $ in the Strawberry Valley area sage-grous- of Wasatch County where reports have been received of being taken if legally. Strawberry Valley ii sage-grous- e closed to sage-grous- e hunting, Northeastern Region: Hunting is expected to bei only fair. Southeastern Region: The entire region is closed to hunting. sage-grous- e Southern Region: The may jority of the Southern Region is closed to the taking of sage! grouse. The Parker Mountain area is the only open area in the region. Strutting ground counts were slightly lower this year, indicating a decreased population. However, brood counts were up this summer! Expect a good sage-groust- ) hunt. |